Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvementhttps://www.pickthebrain.com/blog
Fri, 09 Dec 2016 12:04:38 +0000en-UShourly138.874979-77.114551http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/7 Motivation Principles to Help You Change Your Lifehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pickthebrain/LYVv/~3/Hb_gQIrBSoI/
Fri, 09 Dec 2016 03:59:03 +0000https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/?p=45959<p>You're reading <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/7-motivation-principles-to-help-you-change-your-life/">7 Motivation Principles to Help You Change Your Life</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>
<p><img width="750" height="198" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Screen-Shot-2016-12-08-at-7.58.14-PM-750x198.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-46059" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Screen-Shot-2016-12-08-at-7.58.14-PM-460x311.png" alt="" width="460" height="311" /></p>
<p>The secret of motivation is that it begins between your ears. Motivation is like a puzzle and you have to see how the pieces fit together before you can get the full picture. How you view the world, beginning with your mind and attitude, will hinder or help you on the path to getting and staying motivated.</p>
<p>I can’t say this enough. Motivation does not come from external sources. On the contrary, it’s all driven from your internal resources. In my experience, some of the pieces to this puzzle can be found in the following life principles:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Change Your Attitude:</strong> Attitude is at the foundation of motivation. Success and even how you deal with failure and challenges will depend very much on your attitude, first and foremost. Everything that happens to you has to be viewed through a certain lens. That lens is either positive or negative attitude and motivation. A friend of mine was told years ago that he had less than a year to live. He spent the rest of his days focusing on the 10 percent chance the doctors had given him. His final days were positive.</li>
</ol>
<ol start="2">
<li><strong>Take Ownership:</strong> You own your life. No one else does. Your boss, your spouse, your job, etc. are not the owners of your life. No one can “make” you feel happy, sad, overwhelmed, motivated or whatever else. Only you can make yourself do that. It is you who wholly owns your life. You are where you are because of your own actions or inactions. When you assume ownership, it empowers you and gives you control. And, that control helps provide you motivation.</li>
</ol>
<ol start="3">
<li><strong>Erase “I Can’t” and the Excuses:</strong> When my daughter was young, I taught her early that she should not use the word “can’t.” To be motivated, you have to believe in your potential and opportunity. Saying, “I can’t make money,” or, “I can’t find a new job,” is defeatist. All you’re doing to yourself mentally is providing excuses. To recharge your motivation, erase the “I can’t” and dispose of the excuses. Life is not easy. We all have challenges, but your chances of success increase exponentially if you get out of your own way.</li>
</ol>
<ol start="4">
<li><strong>Get Off the Couch: </strong>Newton’s First Law of Motion is absolutely correct: An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion. Motivation comes when you are moving forward. If you’re looking to get and stay motivated, you have to move. One of the easiest things you can do for yourself to help you nurture your motivation is to get out and connect with nature. Move. Exercise. If you live in a concrete jungle, then join a group and connect with others. But, whatever you do, don’t sit on the couch and watch the world pass by.</li>
</ol>
<ol start="5">
<li><strong>Commit:</strong> Motivation comes by committing to something. In other words, making a decision. And, when you’ve made the decision and the challenges arise, stay committed to what you decided to do. Anything worth having will become a challenge, which is always an opportunity to reaffirm your commitment. This is how we all grow as human beings. Commit to a decision, stay the course and you will see your motivation increase.<strong> </strong></li>
</ol>
<ol start="6">
<li><strong>Do the Work: </strong>Sustained motivation takes consistency and the only way to place fuel on the fire is to do the work. Big goals take time to achieve. It’s important to spend a little bit of time each and every day working on it–even if it’s only 15 minutes. A friend of mine is looking to begin his own business; however, he has to work at a job and cannot afford at this time to work on his own. He wakes up 2 hours before so he can work on his products and then when he returns from work at night he makes phone calls and has networking meetings. He does this every business day.<strong> </strong></li>
</ol>
<ol start="7">
<li><strong>Accept the Consequences:</strong> Finally, accepting responsibility for consequences is actually an opportunity to stay empowered and motivated. Again, you are the owner of your life and you have control. Take responsibilities for mistakes you’ve made along the way. This is an opportunity to learn and master your goals, with the mistakes that will occur along the way. And once you accept the consequences and learn from them, move on.</li>
</ol>
<hr />
<p><em>Wayne Elsey is the founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises (EE). Among his various independent brands, he is also the founder and CEO of <a href="https://funds2orgs.com/">Funds2Orgs</a>, which is a social enterprise that enables nonprofits, individuals and organizations to raise funds while helping to support micro-enterprise opportunities in developing nations.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You've read <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/7-motivation-principles-to-help-you-change-your-life/">7 Motivation Principles to Help You Change Your Life</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>You're reading 7 Motivation Principles to Help You Change Your Life, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

The secret of motivation is that it begins between your ears. Motivation is like a puzzle and you have to see how the pieces fit together before you can get the full picture. How you view the world, beginning with your mind and attitude, will hinder or help you on the path to getting and staying motivated.
I can’t say this enough. Motivation does not come from external sources. On the contrary, it’s all driven from your internal resources. In my experience, some of the pieces to this puzzle can be found in the following life principles:

Change Your Attitude: Attitude is at the foundation of motivation. Success and even how you deal with failure and challenges will depend very much on your attitude, first and foremost. Everything that happens to you has to be viewed through a certain lens. That lens is either positive or negative attitude and motivation. A friend of mine was told years ago that he had less than a year to live. He spent the rest of his days focusing on the 10 percent chance the doctors had given him. His final days were positive.

Take Ownership: You own your life. No one else does. Your boss, your spouse, your job, etc. are not the owners of your life. No one can “make” you feel happy, sad, overwhelmed, motivated or whatever else. Only you can make yourself do that. It is you who wholly owns your life. You are where you are because of your own actions or inactions. When you assume ownership, it empowers you and gives you control. And, that control helps provide you motivation.

Erase “I Can’t” and the Excuses: When my daughter was young, I taught her early that she should not use the word “can’t.” To be motivated, you have to believe in your potential and opportunity. Saying, “I can’t make money,” or, “I can’t find a new job,” is defeatist. All you’re doing to yourself mentally is providing excuses. To recharge your motivation, erase the “I can’t” and dispose of the excuses. Life is not easy. We all have challenges, but your chances of success increase exponentially if you get out of your own way.

Get Off the Couch: Newton’s First Law of Motion is absolutely correct: An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion. Motivation comes when you are moving forward. If you’re looking to get and stay motivated, you have to move. One of the easiest things you can do for yourself to help you nurture your motivation is to get out and connect with nature. Move. Exercise. If you live in a concrete jungle, then join a group and connect with others. But, whatever you do, don’t sit on the couch and watch the world pass by.

Commit: Motivation comes by committing to something. In other words, making a decision. And, when you’ve made the decision and the challenges arise, stay committed to what you decided to do. Anything worth having will become a challenge, which is always an opportunity to reaffirm your commitment. This is how we all grow as human beings. Commit to a decision, stay the course and you will see your motivation increase.

Do the Work: Sustained motivation takes consistency and the only way to place fuel on the fire is to do the work. Big goals take time to achieve. It’s important to spend a little bit of time each and every day working on it–even if it’s only 15 minutes. A friend of mine is looking to begin his own business; however, he has to work at a job and cannot afford at this time to work on his own. He wakes up 2 hours before so he can work on his products and then when he returns from work at night he makes phone calls and has networking meetings. He does this every business day.

Accept the Consequences: Finally, accepting responsibility for consequences is actually an opportunity to stay empowered and motivated. Again, you are the owner of your life and you have control. Take responsibilities for mistakes you’ve made along the way. This is an opportunity to learn and master your goals, with the mistakes that will occur along the way. And once you accept the consequences and learn from them, move on.

Wayne Elsey is the founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises (EE). Among his various independent brands, he is also the founder and CEO of Funds2Orgs, which is a social enterprise that enables nonprofits, individuals and organizations to raise funds while helping to support micro-enterprise opportunities in developing nations.

]]>https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/7-motivation-principles-to-help-you-change-your-life/How to Stop being Scared of Successhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pickthebrain/LYVv/~3/FJX9uc2fzCQ/
Thu, 08 Dec 2016 05:00:41 +0000https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/?p=45963<p>You're reading <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/how-to-stop-being-scared-of-success/">How to Stop being Scared of Success</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>
<p><img width="940" height="198" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/s00f6-w_oq8-joshua-earle-940x198.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="stop being scared of success" /></p>
<h5 style="text-align: center">“Functionally, a man is somewhat like a bicycle. A bicycle maintains its poise and equilibrium only so long as it's moving forward toward something." - Maxwell Maltz.</h5>
<p>Wherever you live in the world, you're in a pursuit. Some of your pursuits are dear to you. Long-term hopes and fantasies that make you dream with starry eyes.</p>
<p>But maybe the prospect of achieving your goals, also makes you feel slightly uncertain. The visions that make you uncertain take the most work. But they're also the ones worth most going for. They require some level of sacrifice that's not just financial.</p>
<p><strong>Examples include:</strong><br />
• Writing that book you’ve been dreaming about for years<br />
• Participating in that talent show<br />
• Getting out there and meeting the love of your life<br />
• Finally getting that PhD<br />
• Travelling the World</p>
<p><strong>(Note:</strong> We can lose sight of our big picture goals easily. So, I have a special bonus designed to help you focus on what matters. Keep reading to learn more.<strong>)</strong></p>
<p><strong>• The Obstacle you will Face</strong></p>
<p>If you choose to step into your grandest ideas, you’re going to face your fear. It will snatch you from the bottom of your soul, and throw you into a cascading series of emotions. It will test you to see if you’re deserving of what you’re going after.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-46051 alignright" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/scared-of-success-300x200.jpg" alt="scared of success" width="300" height="200" />You’re going to feel like you’re about to lose something.</p>
<p>It may be pride, ego money, or hope – or all of it. Some of us will undoubtedly run away at first sight of fear. Some of us will hide. Some of us might have to warm up to it before it warms up to us.</p>
<p>Fear can make us freeze, or shake in our knees. It can make us shiver and cry... Fear, since the dawn of humanity, has been responsible for deterring some of the noblest dreams.</p>
<p>But it’s only by walking through it, that we’re able to overcome it.</p>
<p><strong>• What is Success?</strong></p>
<p>The word 'success' is probably what made you click on this click-bait headline. And I'm glad it did, because you might now finally get closer to what you should be really pursuing.</p>
<p>Let me explain.</p>
<p>Success has been connoted as anything from having a nice house to being content with living a minimal life. But the underlying similarity that lies between all definitions of success is: growth and contentment. Two seemingly paradoxical ideas. But they work together.</p>
<p>If you're not growing, in some way, you're not being successful. If you're not content, in some way, then you're also not being successful.</p>
<p>If you experience growth, then by definition, you are being successful in some form. Success isn't this glittery self-aggrandizing event that makes others see how "special" you are.</p>
<p>For various reasons, your success (growth) might end up making someone feel bad. The fact that you shine, might leave them to inspect their faults more closely. On the other hand, thousands of people might be inspired by your example.</p>
<p>But then, you may start to see your own sense of self-worth through the eyes of others; falling into a fake mirage of "success". One that will paradoxically take you away from 'self-contentment and growth' - the two qualities are intrinsic to being successful.</p>
<p>In short, you need to stop believing in this idea of becoming successful - it implies a destination.</p>
<p>But <strong>being</strong> successful implies that you always have the choice each day.</p>
<p>-Do you choose to push yourself a little more in your craft?<br />
-Do you focus your attention on what matters most?<br />
-Do you prioritize your work?</p>
<p>Sure, you might eventually receive the glittery things that come with serving the world with your gift i.e. the house, the fancy car, the trips. But realize that the new possessions you may have, the higher income, the new relationships - are not success.</p>
<p>They are the consequence of choosing to be successful (consistently) for a long enough period.</p>
<p><strong>• Ask yourself: How Would you Live if you only had Six months Left to Live?</strong></p>
<p>Asking yourself this question puts your excuses to the side, till they no longer fit into your view. With no awareness of death, your vision can become hazy - uncertainty creeps in. Facing it however, all your potential choices are more carefully inspected.<br />
Your wishes and possibilities are examined under the stethoscope of life.</p>
<p>Clarity starts to seep into the edges of our reality until every right choice becomes more self-evident. Your feelings become secondary. You observe them with the awareness that like anything, they will pass with time. But let's be real. Taking the risks needed to achieve your desires might not work out. You might get rejected; you might fall flat on your face, repeatedly.</p>
<p>But the self-confidence you experience, due to having made a choice to step out of your comfort-zone, is what matters.</p>
<p>So ask yourself, what choices would you make, if you were going to die in the six months from this very date?</p>
<p>Would you take the chance and move abroad? Even if you’re not too sure if it’s going to work out?</p>
<p>Would you take that trip you’ve been dreaming about? Even though you don't know how it will pass?</p>
<p>You need to be okay with a little uncertainty. In fact, you should embrace it. Because if everything was predictable, then the magic of life would be lost.</p>
<p>I'm not saying you don't need to do some thinking before making a leap. But asking yourself how you would live if you only had six months to live, might be the only way that you can avoid paralysis by analysis.</p>
<p>It might be the only way you'll stop making excuses and thinking too much. The more often you're able to stand on the edge of that cliff of uncertainty, and take that leap of faith, the more you will live your adulthood life to its fullest.</p>
<p><strong>Takeaway:</strong> Accepting your uncertainties is paradoxically the only way you'll become sure in your life.</p>
<p><strong>• Inspect this thought: Who am I to deserve this success?</strong></p>
<p>Our childhood has a profound impact on the way we see ourselves. Many of us have had poor upbringings, removing the glow of our inherent, positive self-image. So, as a consequence, some of us see ourselves as of lower value to other human beings. I know I used to at least, and I still suffer from this to a small degree.</p>
<p>In the light of low self-confidence, any potential success feels misaligned. It goes against years of conditioning. And even the mere idea of it naturally makes us feel like impostors. Even me writing this article, it’s easy for me to tell myself… “who am I to write this?” But really, the question I should be asking is… “who I am to NOT write this article?”.</p>
<p>We all have the same intrinsic worth. No one is better than you, and you are not better than anyone. You are simply what you make of yourself. I am what I make of myself. While people do have different abilities, and virtues, at everyone's base level, we all have the same human worth.</p>
<p>Recognizing that someone's intrinsic value is interdependent of their career, status, or fame paradoxically frees us to attach our self-worth to what's deep inside us, not what's seen as "valuable" by the world.</p>
<p>So whenever you envision what you want to achieve, and you crackle under the thought of... am I good enough? Can do I do it? Realize that what you're really asking yourself, is if you deserve this success. Whenever you notice the slightest inkling of self-doubt creep into your mind, change your thought pattern to something that serves you.</p>
<p style="text-align: left"><strong>Takeaway:</strong> You deserve going after what you want.</p>
<p style="text-align: center">"You can get everything you want in life, if you will just help enough other people get what they want." - Zig Ziglar.</p>
<p>So that’s it! Those are some of the important mindsets you need to instill if you want to slowly break away from the fear of success (change never happens instantaneously). If you're interested in learning more about what you can do to increase your odds of growing and increasing your contentment levels, I'm going to give you a <a href="http://www.createyourweek.com" target="_blank">Free Bonus</a> to help.</p>
<p><em><strong>About the Author</strong>: <a href="http://twitter.com/samyfelice" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Samy Felice</a> is a writer who is passionate about ideas related to living a meaningful life. His <a href="http://www.createyourweek.com" target="_blank">Free Book</a> explores ways people can make success easier.</em></p>
<p>You've read <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/how-to-stop-being-scared-of-success/">How to Stop being Scared of Success</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>You're reading How to Stop being Scared of Success, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

“Functionally, a man is somewhat like a bicycle. A bicycle maintains its poise and equilibrium only so long as it's moving forward toward something." - Maxwell Maltz.

Wherever you live in the world, you're in a pursuit. Some of your pursuits are dear to you. Long-term hopes and fantasies that make you dream with starry eyes.
But maybe the prospect of achieving your goals, also makes you feel slightly uncertain. The visions that make you uncertain take the most work. But they're also the ones worth most going for. They require some level of sacrifice that's not just financial.
Examples include:
• Writing that book you’ve been dreaming about for years
• Participating in that talent show
• Getting out there and meeting the love of your life
• Finally getting that PhD
• Travelling the World
(Note: We can lose sight of our big picture goals easily. So, I have a special bonus designed to help you focus on what matters. Keep reading to learn more.)• The Obstacle you will Face
If you choose to step into your grandest ideas, you’re going to face your fear. It will snatch you from the bottom of your soul, and throw you into a cascading series of emotions. It will test you to see if you’re deserving of what you’re going after.
You’re going to feel like you’re about to lose something.
It may be pride, ego money, or hope – or all of it. Some of us will undoubtedly run away at first sight of fear. Some of us will hide. Some of us might have to warm up to it before it warms up to us.
Fear can make us freeze, or shake in our knees. It can make us shiver and cry... Fear, since the dawn of humanity, has been responsible for deterring some of the noblest dreams.
But it’s only by walking through it, that we’re able to overcome it.
• What is Success?
The word 'success' is probably what made you click on this click-bait headline. And I'm glad it did, because you might now finally get closer to what you should be really pursuing.
Let me explain.
Success has been connoted as anything from having a nice house to being content with living a minimal life. But the underlying similarity that lies between all definitions of success is: growth and contentment. Two seemingly paradoxical ideas. But they work together.
If you're not growing, in some way, you're not being successful. If you're not content, in some way, then you're also not being successful.
If you experience growth, then by definition, you are being successful in some form. Success isn't this glittery self-aggrandizing event that makes others see how "special" you are.
For various reasons, your success (growth) might end up making someone feel bad. The fact that you shine, might leave them to inspect their faults more closely. On the other hand, thousands of people might be inspired by your example.
But then, you may start to see your own sense of self-worth through the eyes of others; falling into a fake mirage of "success". One that will paradoxically take you away from 'self-contentment and growth' - the two qualities are intrinsic to being successful.
In short, you need to stop believing in this idea of becoming successful - it implies a destination.
But being successful implies that you always have the choice each day.
-Do you choose to push yourself a little more in your craft?
-Do you focus your attention on what matters most?
-Do you prioritize your work?
Sure, you might eventually receive the glittery things that come with serving the world with your gift i.e. the house, the fancy car, the trips. But realize that the new possessions you may have, the higher income, the new relationships - are not success.
They are the consequence of choosing to be successful (consistently) for a long enough period.
• Ask yourself: How Would you Live if you only had Six months Left to Live?
Asking yourself this question puts your excuses to the side, till they no longer fit into your view. With no awareness of death, your vision can become hazy - uncertainty creeps in. Facing it however, all your potential choices are more carefully inspected.
Your wishes and possibilities are examined under the stethoscope of life.
Clarity starts to seep into the edges of our reality until every right choice becomes more self-evident. Your feelings become secondary. You observe them with the awareness that like anything, they will pass with time. But let's be real. Taking the risks needed to achieve your desires might not work out. You might get rejected; you might fall flat on your face, repeatedly.
But the self-confidence you experience, due to having made a choice to step out of your comfort-zone, is what matters.
So ask yourself, what choices would you make, if you were going to die in the six months from this very date?
Would you take the chance and move abroad? Even if you’re not too sure if it’s going to work out?
Would you take that trip you’ve been dreaming about? Even though you don't know how it will pass?
You need to be okay with a little uncertainty. In fact, you should embrace it. Because if everything was predictable, then the magic of life would be lost.
I'm not saying you don't need to do some thinking before making a leap. But asking yourself how you would live if you only had six months to live, might be the only way that you can avoid paralysis by analysis.
It might be the only way you'll stop making excuses and thinking too much. The more often you're able to stand on the edge of that cliff of uncertainty, and take that leap of faith, the more you will live your adulthood life to its fullest.
Takeaway: Accepting your uncertainties is paradoxically the only way you'll become sure in your life.
• Inspect this thought: Who am I to deserve this success?
Our childhood has a profound impact on the way we see ourselves. Many of us have had poor upbringings, removing the glow of our inherent, positive self-image. So, as a consequence, some of us see ourselves as of lower value to other human beings. I know I used to at least, and I still suffer from this to a small degree.
In the light of low self-confidence, any potential success feels misaligned. It goes against years of conditioning. And even the mere idea of it naturally makes us feel like impostors. Even me writing this article, it’s easy for me to tell myself… “who am I to write this?” But really, the question I should be asking is… “who I am to NOT write this article?”.
We all have the same intrinsic worth. No one is better than you, and you are not better than anyone. You are simply what you make of yourself. I am what I make of myself. While people do have different abilities, and virtues, at everyone's base level, we all have the same human worth.
Recognizing that someone's intrinsic value is interdependent of their career, status, or fame paradoxically frees us to attach our self-worth to what's deep inside us, not what's seen as "valuable" by the world.
So whenever you envision what you want to achieve, and you crackle under the thought of... am I good enough? Can do I do it? Realize that what you're really asking yourself, is if you deserve this success. Whenever you notice the slightest inkling of self-doubt creep into your mind, change your thought pattern to something that serves you.

Takeaway: You deserve going after what you want.

"You can get everything you want in life, if you will just help enough other people get what they want." - Zig Ziglar.

So that’s it! Those are some of the important mindsets you need to instill if you want to slowly break away from the fear of success (change never happens instantaneously). If you're interested in learning more about what you can do to increase your odds of growing and increasing your contentment levels, I'm going to give you a Free Bonus to help.
About the Author: Samy Felice is a writer who is passionate about ideas related to living a meaningful life. His Free Book explores ways people can make success easier.

]]>https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/how-to-stop-being-scared-of-success/5 Ways to Navigate Stressful Situations This Holiday Seasonhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pickthebrain/LYVv/~3/x7YHJxXmCFo/
Wed, 07 Dec 2016 06:48:00 +0000https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/?p=45938<p>You're reading <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/5-ways-to-navigate-stressful-situations-this-holiday-season/">5 Ways to Navigate Stressful Situations This Holiday Season</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>
<p><img width="940" height="198" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/shopper-940x198.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The holidays can really usher in emotions and feelings that we find much easier to suppress throughout the rest of the year. We may find that we lose patience with the long lines at the shopping mall, and our email inboxes seem to be completely taken over with advertisements for our favorite restaurants, discounts on air travel and holiday party invitations. It’s definitely “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it can also absolutely be the most stressful. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, rather than hiding in the supply closet during the office party, there are some ways to make it through the season with your dignity still intact. Let’s explore a few!</span></p>
<ol>
<li><b> Beware of Taking on Too Much</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some people are under the impression that the holidays are a time to relax and to take a step back from the worries of day-to-day life. Apparently those with this opinion have never had to host a dinner, plan a toy drive or shop for picky relatives. When you find yourself volunteering to head up committees or offering to cook the honey-baked ham at your house this year, be sure to know your limitations, and be wary of taking on any unnecessary stress. This isn’t the time to be an overachiever. When you are leading the brigade, don’t be afraid to delegate and lean on others to help get the job done or achieve a goal. Remember, you’re all in this together.</span></p>
<ol start="2">
<li><b></b> <b>Don’t Be Afraid to Have an Exit Strategy</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sometimes it is impossible to skip the holiday invitations that will place you in the same room with people that you could definitely wait another year to see. However, don’t deprive yourself of the joy of having a good meal with loved ones or watching children tear into their perfectly wrapped gifts with a frenzy. Instead, have a plan in mind to extricate yourself quickly and easily from a bad situation, should it arise, side-stepping the attached stress and anxiety. Walk outside to place a phone call or even run back home to retrieve a “forgotten” present. Sometimes there’s nothing more freeing than the possibility of a well-executed escape plan!</span></p>
<ol start="3">
<li><b> Set a Budget and Stick to It</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to the nearly overwhelming power of the bewitching wiles of holiday retail, filling up the shopping cart before you even get to number six on your gift list can easily become your reality, creating months of stress when the credit bills start rolling in. Trying to keep to a budget can be difficult, especially when families continue to grow, and prices never seem to go down. But creating a list with gift ideas, including estimated pricing, can go a long way. Also be sure to keep your eyes open for special deals and discounts, especially online, and even if it involves looking up promo codes and clipping coupons. Plus, you can sign up for email notifications a few weeks ahead for your favorite stores, ensuring you won’t miss that big sale.</span></p>
<ol start="4">
<li><b> Don’t Skip the Exercise</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are already on a strict workout regimen, regularly practice yoga or simply take a brisk walk around the block after dinner, don’t use the holidays as an excuse to turn back into a couch potato. While you can definitely take a step back, and maybe even skip that cardio on Christmas Eve, be sure to remember to keep active. Now, this is isn’t just to keep your ideal weight or fit into those new jeans, but exercise can definitely attribute to your overall well-being, greatly reducing stress. Many embrace physical activity as a way to clear the mind and unplug, so be sure not to skip it when you may need it the most!</span></p>
<ol start="5">
<li><b> Be Open to Change</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Things may not always go according to plan, especially during the holidays, when schedules change and workloads may pile up during time off. The best way to face these impending adjustments is with an open mind, ready to roll with the punches and embrace change. Dinner may be held at a different time this year, or your flight might be unexpectedly rescheduled. But don’t see these incidents as negative, but be understanding of the fact that the holidays can sometimes create circumstances that interfere with normal daily activities or cause scheduling conflicts. You may just find yourself welcoming in a new holiday tradition or discovering that you aren’t as set in your ways as you once thought that you were.</span></p>
<hr />
<p><em>Angela is a professional article writer and editor, specializing in self improvement and health topics. She is also the Content Manager for <a href="https://mentegram.com" target="_blank">Mentegram</a>, a mental heaththcare company that has helped over 200 therapists provide better care to over 1,500 patients.</em></p>
<p>You've read <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/5-ways-to-navigate-stressful-situations-this-holiday-season/">5 Ways to Navigate Stressful Situations This Holiday Season</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>You're reading 5 Ways to Navigate Stressful Situations This Holiday Season, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

The holidays can really usher in emotions and feelings that we find much easier to suppress throughout the rest of the year. We may find that we lose patience with the long lines at the shopping mall, and our email inboxes seem to be completely taken over with advertisements for our favorite restaurants, discounts on air travel and holiday party invitations. It’s definitely “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it can also absolutely be the most stressful. So, rather than hiding in the supply closet during the office party, there are some ways to make it through the season with your dignity still intact. Let’s explore a few!

Beware of Taking on Too Much

Some people are under the impression that the holidays are a time to relax and to take a step back from the worries of day-to-day life. Apparently those with this opinion have never had to host a dinner, plan a toy drive or shop for picky relatives. When you find yourself volunteering to head up committees or offering to cook the honey-baked ham at your house this year, be sure to know your limitations, and be wary of taking on any unnecessary stress. This isn’t the time to be an overachiever. When you are leading the brigade, don’t be afraid to delegate and lean on others to help get the job done or achieve a goal. Remember, you’re all in this together.

Don’t Be Afraid to Have an Exit Strategy

Sometimes it is impossible to skip the holiday invitations that will place you in the same room with people that you could definitely wait another year to see. However, don’t deprive yourself of the joy of having a good meal with loved ones or watching children tear into their perfectly wrapped gifts with a frenzy. Instead, have a plan in mind to extricate yourself quickly and easily from a bad situation, should it arise, side-stepping the attached stress and anxiety. Walk outside to place a phone call or even run back home to retrieve a “forgotten” present. Sometimes there’s nothing more freeing than the possibility of a well-executed escape plan!

Set a Budget and Stick to It

When it comes to the nearly overwhelming power of the bewitching wiles of holiday retail, filling up the shopping cart before you even get to number six on your gift list can easily become your reality, creating months of stress when the credit bills start rolling in. Trying to keep to a budget can be difficult, especially when families continue to grow, and prices never seem to go down. But creating a list with gift ideas, including estimated pricing, can go a long way. Also be sure to keep your eyes open for special deals and discounts, especially online, and even if it involves looking up promo codes and clipping coupons. Plus, you can sign up for email notifications a few weeks ahead for your favorite stores, ensuring you won’t miss that big sale.

Don’t Skip the Exercise

If you are already on a strict workout regimen, regularly practice yoga or simply take a brisk walk around the block after dinner, don’t use the holidays as an excuse to turn back into a couch potato. While you can definitely take a step back, and maybe even skip that cardio on Christmas Eve, be sure to remember to keep active. Now, this is isn’t just to keep your ideal weight or fit into those new jeans, but exercise can definitely attribute to your overall well-being, greatly reducing stress. Many embrace physical activity as a way to clear the mind and unplug, so be sure not to skip it when you may need it the most!

Be Open to Change

Things may not always go according to plan, especially during the holidays, when schedules change and workloads may pile up during time off. The best way to face these impending adjustments is with an open mind, ready to roll with the punches and embrace change. Dinner may be held at a different time this year, or your flight might be unexpectedly rescheduled. But don’t see these incidents as negative, but be understanding of the fact that the holidays can sometimes create circumstances that interfere with normal daily activities or cause scheduling conflicts. You may just find yourself welcoming in a new holiday tradition or discovering that you aren’t as set in your ways as you once thought that you were.Angela is a professional article writer and editor, specializing in self improvement and health topics. She is also the Content Manager for Mentegram, a mental heaththcare company that has helped over 200 therapists provide better care to over 1,500 patients.

]]>https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/5-ways-to-navigate-stressful-situations-this-holiday-season/Post-Election Reset: 5 Ways to Invite Positivity and Jumpstart Your New Yearhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pickthebrain/LYVv/~3/qVBZ4PICII4/
Tue, 06 Dec 2016 04:26:31 +0000https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/?p=45861<p>You're reading <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/post-election-reset-5-ways-to-invite-positivity-and-jumpstart-your-new-year/">Post-Election Reset: 5 Ways to Invite Positivity and Jumpstart Your New Year</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>
<p><img width="772" height="198" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Screen-Shot-2016-12-05-at-7.14.21-PM-772x198.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-45968" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Screen-Shot-2016-12-05-at-7.14.21-PM-460x304.png" alt="power of posivity" width="460" height="304" /></p>
<p>This election season has taken a toll on our psyches, both individual and collective. Many are questioning what it means to be [fill in the blank] and I don’t blame them; I’m finding it difficult, too.</p>
<p>Last month, I gave a QCommons (think TED for the Christian community) talk on <em>Building Community as Lifework</em> where I urged conference goers to get out of their comfort zones and echo chambers because that’s where change happens. Because outside of our comfort zones is where the good work is most needed. So it feels weird to be here now suggesting that maybe, just maybe, we all need to go back into our burrows for a moment so that we don’t sacrifice the work that we will undoubtedly need to do over the next four years.</p>
<p><strong>Now, more than ever, it is important for us to put optimism into practice through visioning and goal setting. </strong></p>
<p>December is the month where I prepare for a refresh. Instead of thinking about everything I didn’t accomplish in the previous 11 months, I start looking forward to what I have planned for myself in the upcoming year. It’s the month when hopefulness about the future collides with the prevailing energy of the season of giving. Everything usually just feels…lighter. But this year is different. Just last night, I found myself looking for the “time-out” button on Facebook. My newsfeed is consumed with others’ confirmations of their worst-case scenarios—worst-case scenarios that I then start to consider and find myself researching for validity or probability. I know this is unhealthy for me. I want to remain connected to my friends and what they’re doing. I also want to be informed and up-to-date on current events. Now, though, I’m feeling as though both of these desires are coming at a steep cost.</p>
<p>Our thoughts are magnetic and have the power to shift the world around us. That means our work in this moment is to thrive despite uncertainty. We have to allow room for our collective consciences to step in on our behalf.</p>
<p>Setting goals and envisioning your future needs two necessary ingredients to take shape. The first is the belief that <strong>anything is possible</strong> and <strong>all that you desire is within your reach</strong>. The second is the knowledge that <strong>you are in control</strong>. It’s difficult enough to become our best selves when our environments feel relatively stable. How then, can we do this in the midst of post-election chaos?</p>
<p>It’s simple: we <strong><em>choose</em></strong> to.</p>
<p>Now that I’m able to recognize how the national (and in some cases, international) climate is affecting my mood, I am taking a few deliberate actions to preserve my sanity and position myself to be able to use December in the way it was meant: for reflection. I am inviting you to do the same over the next 30 days.</p>
<h2><strong>The Post-Election Reset</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>1. Filter your networks.</strong></h3>
<p>Perhaps instead of asking the crowd to avoid retreating to their echo chambers, I should have recommended practicing discernment. Review the list of news and “news” outlets you’ve liked. Are they all legitimate? Are there any that you could do without? You will likely never be able to read <em>every</em> take on the same issue so identify the source that is most credible for you and abandon the others.</p>
<h3><strong>2. Share<em> your </em>news.</strong></h3>
<p>Instead of sharing the news of the day, share <em>your</em> news of the day. What moved you? What brought you joy? What did you learn today? What issues are you struggling with <em>and</em> would like your network to help you address? Put yourself back in the center of your universe and allow others to renew their connections with you.</p>
<h3><strong>3. Acknowledge <em>your</em> real fears.</strong></h3>
<p>You can’t own others’ fears and when bombarded with information it can be hard to decipher which fears you genuinely hold and which ones you’ve adopted. So take a moment—a short one, don’t dwell in negativity—to acknowledge what is scaring you right now. What is driving your post-election anxiety? Are there any underlying fears that are resurfacing for you at this time? Write each one down on its own piece of paper. Then…</p>
<h3><strong>4. Draft your vision.</strong></h3>
<p>Where are you this time next year? How will you feel? What will you have accomplished? Who are you in relation to those fears? This is your vision. Write it down in first person, present tense (i.e. I am a successful author of a newly published novel.). Frame your vision (literally!) and seal your fears in an envelope.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Choose your fount of positivity. </strong></h3>
<p>In the first step you filtered your networks of sources that can prompt or fuel negativity. Now it’s time to find spaces that encourage and nurture positive thinking. Is there a blog or newsletter you enjoy reading? Is there an online community that you would like to be a part of? If you cannot find an existing resource, create your own. Start with one. Whatever it is that brings you peace and joy, find it, and find ways to bring more of it into your life.</p>
<p>Whether it’s post-election anxiety or a general desire to reset, these steps will help you adjust your mindset, reorient yourself towards what’s positive, and set the stage for some major growth in 2017.</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<hr />
<p><i>Candace Hollingsworth is a management consultant and coach based in the Washington, DC metro area. You can join her community of dream-makers and risk-takers <a href="https://thevisionwhisperer.leadpages.co/ultimatevision/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://thevisionwhisperer.leadpages.co/ultimatevision/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1481080571491000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHhLd8WeRoZMe3K6kxIBsB_s5xm-Q">here</a>. </i></p>
<p>You've read <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/post-election-reset-5-ways-to-invite-positivity-and-jumpstart-your-new-year/">Post-Election Reset: 5 Ways to Invite Positivity and Jumpstart Your New Year</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>You're reading Post-Election Reset: 5 Ways to Invite Positivity and Jumpstart Your New Year, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

This election season has taken a toll on our psyches, both individual and collective. Many are questioning what it means to be [fill in the blank] and I don’t blame them; I’m finding it difficult, too.
Last month, I gave a QCommons (think TED for the Christian community) talk on Building Community as Lifework where I urged conference goers to get out of their comfort zones and echo chambers because that’s where change happens. Because outside of our comfort zones is where the good work is most needed. So it feels weird to be here now suggesting that maybe, just maybe, we all need to go back into our burrows for a moment so that we don’t sacrifice the work that we will undoubtedly need to do over the next four years.
Now, more than ever, it is important for us to put optimism into practice through visioning and goal setting.
December is the month where I prepare for a refresh. Instead of thinking about everything I didn’t accomplish in the previous 11 months, I start looking forward to what I have planned for myself in the upcoming year. It’s the month when hopefulness about the future collides with the prevailing energy of the season of giving. Everything usually just feels…lighter. But this year is different. Just last night, I found myself looking for the “time-out” button on Facebook. My newsfeed is consumed with others’ confirmations of their worst-case scenarios—worst-case scenarios that I then start to consider and find myself researching for validity or probability. I know this is unhealthy for me. I want to remain connected to my friends and what they’re doing. I also want to be informed and up-to-date on current events. Now, though, I’m feeling as though both of these desires are coming at a steep cost.
Our thoughts are magnetic and have the power to shift the world around us. That means our work in this moment is to thrive despite uncertainty. We have to allow room for our collective consciences to step in on our behalf.
Setting goals and envisioning your future needs two necessary ingredients to take shape. The first is the belief that anything is possible and all that you desire is within your reach. The second is the knowledge that you are in control. It’s difficult enough to become our best selves when our environments feel relatively stable. How then, can we do this in the midst of post-election chaos?
It’s simple: we choose to.
Now that I’m able to recognize how the national (and in some cases, international) climate is affecting my mood, I am taking a few deliberate actions to preserve my sanity and position myself to be able to use December in the way it was meant: for reflection. I am inviting you to do the same over the next 30 days.

The Post-Election Reset

1. Filter your networks.

Perhaps instead of asking the crowd to avoid retreating to their echo chambers, I should have recommended practicing discernment. Review the list of news and “news” outlets you’ve liked. Are they all legitimate? Are there any that you could do without? You will likely never be able to read every take on the same issue so identify the source that is most credible for you and abandon the others.

2. Share your news.

Instead of sharing the news of the day, share your news of the day. What moved you? What brought you joy? What did you learn today? What issues are you struggling with and would like your network to help you address? Put yourself back in the center of your universe and allow others to renew their connections with you.

3. Acknowledge your real fears.

You can’t own others’ fears and when bombarded with information it can be hard to decipher which fears you genuinely hold and which ones you’ve adopted. So take a moment—a short one, don’t dwell in negativity—to acknowledge what is scaring you right now. What is driving your post-election anxiety? Are there any underlying fears that are resurfacing for you at this time? Write each one down on its own piece of paper. Then…

4. Draft your vision.

Where are you this time next year? How will you feel? What will you have accomplished? Who are you in relation to those fears? This is your vision. Write it down in first person, present tense (i.e. I am a successful author of a newly published novel.). Frame your vision (literally!) and seal your fears in an envelope.

5. Choose your fount of positivity.

In the first step you filtered your networks of sources that can prompt or fuel negativity. Now it’s time to find spaces that encourage and nurture positive thinking. Is there a blog or newsletter you enjoy reading? Is there an online community that you would like to be a part of? If you cannot find an existing resource, create your own. Start with one. Whatever it is that brings you peace and joy, find it, and find ways to bring more of it into your life.
Whether it’s post-election anxiety or a general desire to reset, these steps will help you adjust your mindset, reorient yourself towards what’s positive, and set the stage for some major growth in 2017.
Cheers!
Candace Hollingsworth is a management consultant and coach based in the Washington, DC metro area. You can join her community of dream-makers and risk-takers here.

]]>https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/post-election-reset-5-ways-to-invite-positivity-and-jumpstart-your-new-year/The 7 Best Blogs on Changehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pickthebrain/LYVv/~3/d4H42uWe2pE/
Mon, 05 Dec 2016 17:27:18 +0000https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/?p=45942<p>You're reading <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/the-7-best-blogs-on-change/">The 7 Best Blogs on Change</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>
<p><img width="764" height="198" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Screen-Shot-2016-12-05-at-9.26.16-AM-764x198.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-45957" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Screen-Shot-2016-12-05-at-9.26.16-AM-460x302.png" alt="best blogs on change" width="460" height="302" /></p>
<p>Change is the one thing you can count on. We hear this over and over again. It can be an unforeseen trauma which alters our lives forever, it can be an event we have known about for awhile, such as a move or a marriage or it can be something we aspire to achieve. We may simply feel the need to change a habit. This will also end up shifting our behavior on a whole, since they are all interconnected. Research suggests that habits form about 45% of our total behavior!</p>
<p>It is important then to acknowledge that working with or toward change involves much more than a thought and an action, counter-intuitively it requires us to ease up on our willpower and simplify our desire. Here are 7 blogs that help comb the landscape of change in whatever form it may present itself:</p>
<ol>
<li>Marie Forleo is a wonderful voice in the self-development industry. She boasts a site that has a lot of helpful blogs, vlogs and positive insights into our lives. In this Marietv video she speaks with Tony Robbins about what it takes to change your life. The take away from this is that: “When you change the priorities of our nervous system, when you rewire, huge change lasts.”</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/WuFysBXxMUw">https://youtu.be/WuFysBXxMUw</a></p>
<ol start="2">
<li>Steven Aitchison”s site has a number of subject headings to click on and find your article of interest. With this topic of change, the idea of resiliency comes to mind. If change has come as a result of some traumatic event or an emotional, financial crisis has loomed without warning, this article is helpful in accepting that one is strong enough to survive a difficult change.</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog/7-habits-highly-resilient-people/">http://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog/7-habits-highly-resilient-people/</a></p>
<ol start="3">
<li>Alex Blackwell”s blog touches upon the importance remembering the good things that happen in life and not allowing the bad to rob you of your peace. This idea makes one embrace change and even push toward it, knowing the acceptance of what is allows us to enjoy the present and see the gifts it has to offer.</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://www.thebridgemaker.com/change-today/">http://www.thebridgemaker.com/change-today/</a></p>
<ol start="4">
<li>This blog has an entire section dedicated to the subject of change. One article here highlights some fundamental thoughts about how change can happen. It”s all in our attitude! Attitudes toward love, money and success can help us overcome obstacles to living our greatest life.</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://livepurposefullynow.com/stop-making-life-harder-need/">http://livepurposefullynow.com/stop-making-life-harder-need/</a></p>
<ol start="5">
<li>This site is a bit different than the others, as it is a weight loss blog. Whether or not that is part of or all of the change you are experiencing, the underlying emotional and spiritual issues surrounding weight gain apply fundamentally to the idea of change across the board.</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://www.theinspiredtransformation.com/1-minute-naomi-make-problems-without-giving/">http://www.theinspiredtransformation.com/1-minute-naomi-make-problems-without-giving/</a></p>
<ol start="6">
<li>This blog is particularly crucial for anyone dealing with an abusive situation. This is where change may not happen because of fear, it is imperative that one be able to recognize the signs of a controlling, manipulative and narcissistic person in order to make a change away from it.</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://liveboldandbloom.com">http://liveboldandbloom.com</a></p>
<ol start="7">
<li>James Clear has an impressive site with articles, books, podcats etc. In this particular article he muses on the idea of habits. Breaking bad ones, keeping good ones and what is going on in our minds when habits go to work. He lays it out with a simple plan to overhaul your habits while breaking down all of the stages one can expect and why.</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://jamesclear.com/habits">http://jamesclear.com/habits</a></p>
<p>There are so many questions one can ask themselves in anticipation of, or in the midst of change. Two of the most important are whether or not it feeds you spiritually and if you are indeed getting in the way of your own success. These are difficult to define for oneself, but they are essential to change. Whatever you decide to do with a circumstance or a decision if we first ask how it can offer meaning and purpose to our lives we can surely endure or overcome its challenges.</p>
<p>Do you read a great blog about change that is not on the list? Leave a comment on FB!</p>
<hr />
<p><em>Larissa Gomes is a breast cancer survivor and single mom to her spirited baby boy</em>! <em>Originally from Toronto turned Angeleno, she has worked in roles from writer, actor and producer for well over a decade. In that time, she's developed concepts, film and television screenplays, short stories, along with freelance articles, blogging and editing work.</em></p>
<p>You've read <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/the-7-best-blogs-on-change/">The 7 Best Blogs on Change</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>You're reading The 7 Best Blogs on Change, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Change is the one thing you can count on. We hear this over and over again. It can be an unforeseen trauma which alters our lives forever, it can be an event we have known about for awhile, such as a move or a marriage or it can be something we aspire to achieve. We may simply feel the need to change a habit. This will also end up shifting our behavior on a whole, since they are all interconnected. Research suggests that habits form about 45% of our total behavior!
It is important then to acknowledge that working with or toward change involves much more than a thought and an action, counter-intuitively it requires us to ease up on our willpower and simplify our desire. Here are 7 blogs that help comb the landscape of change in whatever form it may present itself:

Marie Forleo is a wonderful voice in the self-development industry. She boasts a site that has a lot of helpful blogs, vlogs and positive insights into our lives. In this Marietv video she speaks with Tony Robbins about what it takes to change your life. The take away from this is that: “When you change the priorities of our nervous system, when you rewire, huge change lasts.”

Steven Aitchison”s site has a number of subject headings to click on and find your article of interest. With this topic of change, the idea of resiliency comes to mind. If change has come as a result of some traumatic event or an emotional, financial crisis has loomed without warning, this article is helpful in accepting that one is strong enough to survive a difficult change.

Alex Blackwell”s blog touches upon the importance remembering the good things that happen in life and not allowing the bad to rob you of your peace. This idea makes one embrace change and even push toward it, knowing the acceptance of what is allows us to enjoy the present and see the gifts it has to offer.

This blog has an entire section dedicated to the subject of change. One article here highlights some fundamental thoughts about how change can happen. It”s all in our attitude! Attitudes toward love, money and success can help us overcome obstacles to living our greatest life.

This site is a bit different than the others, as it is a weight loss blog. Whether or not that is part of or all of the change you are experiencing, the underlying emotional and spiritual issues surrounding weight gain apply fundamentally to the idea of change across the board.

This blog is particularly crucial for anyone dealing with an abusive situation. This is where change may not happen because of fear, it is imperative that one be able to recognize the signs of a controlling, manipulative and narcissistic person in order to make a change away from it.

James Clear has an impressive site with articles, books, podcats etc. In this particular article he muses on the idea of habits. Breaking bad ones, keeping good ones and what is going on in our minds when habits go to work. He lays it out with a simple plan to overhaul your habits while breaking down all of the stages one can expect and why.

http://jamesclear.com/habits
There are so many questions one can ask themselves in anticipation of, or in the midst of change. Two of the most important are whether or not it feeds you spiritually and if you are indeed getting in the way of your own success. These are difficult to define for oneself, but they are essential to change. Whatever you decide to do with a circumstance or a decision if we first ask how it can offer meaning and purpose to our lives we can surely endure or overcome its challenges.
Do you read a great blog about change that is not on the list? Leave a comment on FB!
Larissa Gomes is a breast cancer survivor and single mom to her spirited baby boy! Originally from Toronto turned Angeleno, she has worked in roles from writer, actor and producer for well over a decade. In that time, she's developed concepts, film and television screenplays, short stories, along with freelance articles, blogging and editing work.

]]>https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/the-7-best-blogs-on-change/How To Use Your Powerful Mind To Be Positively Happyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pickthebrain/LYVv/~3/9sPr578OlPc/
Sun, 04 Dec 2016 16:37:53 +0000https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/?p=45239<p>You're reading <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/use-your-powerful-mind-to-be-positively-happy/">How To Use Your Powerful Mind To Be Positively Happy</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>
<p><img width="757" height="198" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Screen-Shot-2016-12-04-at-8.36.51-AM-757x198.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-45935" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Screen-Shot-2016-12-04-at-8.36.51-AM-460x302.png" alt="use your mind to be happy" width="460" height="302" /></p>
<p><b></b><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> - Marcus Aurelius</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our mind is so complex that we can forget how powerful it is.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It can either make or break us at any given moment. It has the power to take us to the stars or throw us off a cliff.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, </span><a href="https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the USA</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, with </span><a href="https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">42,773 Americans dying by suicide every year</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The mind is the root cause of suicide, with over </span><a href="http://www.suicide.org/suicide-causes.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">90% of cases attributed to mental illness.</span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With a concerted effort, we can achieve a state of continuous happiness by teaching the mind to think positively.</span></p>
<p><b>HAPPINESS IS NOT IN THE FUTURE</b></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“People look to time in the expectation that it will eventually make them happy, but you cannot find true happiness by looking toward the future” -</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Eckhart Tolle</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How often do we say to ourselves ‘I'll be happy when the bills are paid’. Or ‘When I was younger, things were better’?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We are all guilty of falling into the trap of believing that we will feel better in the future. Or we reminisce about how much easier life was back in the day.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The truth is, happiness has little to do with circumstances. Mental constructions of future and past have a huge impact on our current state. In reality, though, they have nothing to do with how things actually 'are' right now.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Like a ping pong match, our mind will bounce back and forth between ideas. It says ‘I’ll feel great when I lose the excess weight’ or ‘I was happier when I ate whatever I wanted’. It cannot make a decision and we wonder why we are confused.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Perception of a circumstance, not the actual circumstance, determines our happiness. If left unchecked, your mind will come up with countless reasons to be unsatisfied.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To enjoy a more balanced life, we must first notice disempowering thoughts. We must then redirect these thoughts and turn them into empowering ones. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The future is simply a dream-like projection of mind-made fantasies. It is not real. It exists only in your head. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you want to think about the future, consider it in a positive way and then take constructive action in the now.</span></p>
<p><b>STOP PRESUMING</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How often do we mentally grumble about things we have no idea about?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sitting in rush hour traffic, we jump at the opportunity to lash out when traffic isn't moving. We speculate and blame the event on all manner of made up ideas</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We scowl at the stranger who doesn’t reciprocate a "thank you" when we hold the door open for them. Mentally we judge them and label them as rude. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Could it be possible that the person who walked through the door was in a daze after hearing some terrible news? Is it too difficult to consider that the traffic is lousy because of an accident?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead of accepting something as it is, we create a negative story. I call this </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">‘Speculation Nation’</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our patience dissolves or we get angry at nothing but a speculative thought. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We become unhappy and lose our power as the mind complains. It wants to know what justification the other person has for behaving a certain way. It struggles when things don't act in accordance with its own personal values and rules.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many battles could be avoided If people understood that we all have a different set of values.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just because a person appears to be rude to you, doesn’t really matter. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is only your interpretation of the events that have the power to determine your happiness. Choose to interpret them positively.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Choose to interpret them positively.</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so” </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">- William Shakespeare</span></p>
<p><b>LOOK FOR HAPPINESS</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In every moment we have a choice. We can choose to resist the way something is or we can accept the way it is. After all, it 'IS'.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are 2 ways to deal with something that is not going as planned.</span></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Mentally complain and tell yourself a phantom story about how dreadful it is.</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This will lead to a lot of pain and suffering.</span></p>
<ol start="2">
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Accept the way it is and look for the positive and beauty in the situation.</span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This leads to peace and joy.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shift your perspective from discontentment to acceptance. Surrender to the way it is because it can be no other way. It is what it is and no amount of complaining will change it.</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> ― Lao Tzu</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Relinquishing control and making way for acceptance will relieve you of tension and frustration. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In its place, there will be spaciousness. Burden and negativity will no longer rule you and positivity will break through.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every situation, no matter what it is, can be perceived as either positive or negative.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Choosing to accept, or to see the advantage in a circumstance, will free you of suffering. In turn, this will better allow you to explore the beauty and magnificence of life.</span></p>
<p><b>GIVE THANKS</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Showing gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to find happiness. Gratitude opens up the heart and sends positive energy to those willing to receive it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What we send out, is returned ten-fold.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the book of the film ‘</span><a href="http://www.thesecret.tv/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Secret</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">’, Rhonda Byrne talks about how she used gratitude to turn her entire life around. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her relationships, finances, and health were spiraling out of control. She felt like she was on a collision course with destruction. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once she realized that her thoughts were controlling her life, she began expressing gratitude. She became thankful for all that is good in her life.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead of complaining about money issues, she would give thanks for the things she had. Surely enough, she was able to turn around her entire life. She shares these teachings in 'The Secret' series of books and films.</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Remember that your thoughts are the primary cause of everything.”</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> ― Rhonda Byrne</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Expressing gratitude really means that we are expressing happiness.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gratitude puts us in a state of positivity. We feel uplifted and energized and happiness becomes the natural byproduct of these feelings.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to </span><a href="http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/psp/84/2/377/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">this study</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, gratitude and happiness have a direct impact on emotional and interpersonal benefits.</span></p>
<p><b>MAKE HAPPINESS THE GOAL</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adopt these keys points to ensure that you are constantly in a state of well-being. </span></p>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Give up trying to control every situation, it’s impossible.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let go of the past and stop expecting the future to make things better. Now is the only time you can experience joy.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Accept the way something is. If you can change it, great. If you can’t, Hakuna Matata </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">(it means no worries!)</span></i></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Give up speculating. You have no idea why she didn’t turn up for the date. Maybe she had a car crash!</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Look for the good in all things. Search for beauty, it’s everywhere.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Play, be silly, be creative. Let your hair down.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adopt an attitude of gratitude. Go out of your way to give thanks.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Consistently following these simple steps will ensure that you think powerfully and positively. </span></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You will literally rewire your brain so that it remains in a state of bliss so that happiness becomes a way of life.</span></p>
<p>You've read <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/use-your-powerful-mind-to-be-positively-happy/">How To Use Your Powerful Mind To Be Positively Happy</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>You're reading How To Use Your Powerful Mind To Be Positively Happy, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking” - Marcus AureliusOur mind is so complex that we can forget how powerful it is.It can either make or break us at any given moment. It has the power to take us to the stars or throw us off a cliff.According to the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the USA, with 42,773 Americans dying by suicide every year. The mind is the root cause of suicide, with over 90% of cases attributed to mental illness.With a concerted effort, we can achieve a state of continuous happiness by teaching the mind to think positively.HAPPINESS IS NOT IN THE FUTURE“People look to time in the expectation that it will eventually make them happy, but you cannot find true happiness by looking toward the future” - Eckhart TolleHow often do we say to ourselves ‘I'll be happy when the bills are paid’. Or ‘When I was younger, things were better’?We are all guilty of falling into the trap of believing that we will feel better in the future. Or we reminisce about how much easier life was back in the day.The truth is, happiness has little to do with circumstances. Mental constructions of future and past have a huge impact on our current state. In reality, though, they have nothing to do with how things actually 'are' right now.Like a ping pong match, our mind will bounce back and forth between ideas. It says ‘I’ll feel great when I lose the excess weight’ or ‘I was happier when I ate whatever I wanted’. It cannot make a decision and we wonder why we are confused.Perception of a circumstance, not the actual circumstance, determines our happiness. If left unchecked, your mind will come up with countless reasons to be unsatisfied.To enjoy a more balanced life, we must first notice disempowering thoughts. We must then redirect these thoughts and turn them into empowering ones. The future is simply a dream-like projection of mind-made fantasies. It is not real. It exists only in your head. If you want to think about the future, consider it in a positive way and then take constructive action in the now.STOP PRESUMINGHow often do we mentally grumble about things we have no idea about?Sitting in rush hour traffic, we jump at the opportunity to lash out when traffic isn't moving. We speculate and blame the event on all manner of made up ideasWe scowl at the stranger who doesn’t reciprocate a "thank you" when we hold the door open for them. Mentally we judge them and label them as rude. Could it be possible that the person who walked through the door was in a daze after hearing some terrible news? Is it too difficult to consider that the traffic is lousy because of an accident?Instead of accepting something as it is, we create a negative story. I call this ‘Speculation Nation’.Our patience dissolves or we get angry at nothing but a speculative thought. We become unhappy and lose our power as the mind complains. It wants to know what justification the other person has for behaving a certain way. It struggles when things don't act in accordance with its own personal values and rules.Many battles could be avoided If people understood that we all have a different set of values.Just because a person appears to be rude to you, doesn’t really matter. It is only your interpretation of the events that have the power to determine your happiness. Choose to interpret them positively. Choose to interpret them positively.“There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so” - William ShakespeareLOOK FOR HAPPINESSIn every moment we have a choice. We can choose to resist the way something is or we can accept the way it is. After all, it 'IS'.There are 2 ways to deal with something that is not going as planned.

Mentally complain and tell yourself a phantom story about how dreadful it is.

This will lead to a lot of pain and suffering.

Accept the way it is and look for the positive and beauty in the situation.

This leads to peace and joy.Shift your perspective from discontentment to acceptance. Surrender to the way it is because it can be no other way. It is what it is and no amount of complaining will change it.“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ― Lao TzuRelinquishing control and making way for acceptance will relieve you of tension and frustration. In its place, there will be spaciousness. Burden and negativity will no longer rule you and positivity will break through.Every situation, no matter what it is, can be perceived as either positive or negative.Choosing to accept, or to see the advantage in a circumstance, will free you of suffering. In turn, this will better allow you to explore the beauty and magnificence of life.GIVE THANKSShowing gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to find happiness. Gratitude opens up the heart and sends positive energy to those willing to receive it.What we send out, is returned ten-fold.In the book of the film ‘The Secret’, Rhonda Byrne talks about how she used gratitude to turn her entire life around. Her relationships, finances, and health were spiraling out of control. She felt like she was on a collision course with destruction. Once she realized that her thoughts were controlling her life, she began expressing gratitude. She became thankful for all that is good in her life.Instead of complaining about money issues, she would give thanks for the things she had. Surely enough, she was able to turn around her entire life. She shares these teachings in 'The Secret' series of books and films.“Remember that your thoughts are the primary cause of everything.” ― Rhonda ByrneExpressing gratitude really means that we are expressing happiness.Gratitude puts us in a state of positivity. We feel uplifted and energized and happiness becomes the natural byproduct of these feelings.According to this study, gratitude and happiness have a direct impact on emotional and interpersonal benefits.MAKE HAPPINESS THE GOALAdopt these keys points to ensure that you are constantly in a state of well-being.

Give up trying to control every situation, it’s impossible.

Let go of the past and stop expecting the future to make things better. Now is the only time you can experience joy.

Accept the way something is. If you can change it, great. If you can’t, Hakuna Matata (it means no worries!)

Give up speculating. You have no idea why she didn’t turn up for the date. Maybe she had a car crash!

Look for the good in all things. Search for beauty, it’s everywhere.

Play, be silly, be creative. Let your hair down.

Adopt an attitude of gratitude. Go out of your way to give thanks.

Consistently following these simple steps will ensure that you think powerfully and positively.

You will literally rewire your brain so that it remains in a state of bliss so that happiness becomes a way of life.

]]>https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/use-your-powerful-mind-to-be-positively-happy/The 7 Ways To Empower Young Mindshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pickthebrain/LYVv/~3/CGOtECL_Wtk/
Sat, 03 Dec 2016 17:19:48 +0000https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/?p=45880<p>You're reading <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/the-7-ways-to-empower-young-minds/">The 7 Ways To Empower Young Minds</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>
<p><img width="940" height="198" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/student-empowerment-940x198.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> <img class="size-medium wp-image-45882 aligncenter" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/student-empowerment-300x200.png" alt="student-empowerment" width="300" height="200" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re lucky enough to work with children, it’s probably pretty likely that you have wondered about how to empower your young charges so that they become the most productive and successful adults they can possibly be. Good for you! Working to uplift and inspire the younger generation is one of the best things you can do. But, what’s the best way to go about this? Here are the seven best ways to empower young minds! </span></p>
<p><b>Encourage, Encourage, Encourage </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s an old adage that says you should praise children ten times as much as you criticize them, and this is definitely true! While working with kids, try to maintain endlessly positive. </span></p>
<p><b>Plan For The Future </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sometimes, even just knowing someone believes in you is enough to get the job done. Spend some time with the kids in your life and talk to them about their future goals. Be a sounding board for them. </span></p>
<p><b>Give Concrete Suggestions </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">People benefit the most when you give them specific suggestions towards reaching their goals. Give them advice on careers, </span><a href="http://mbainsight.com/the-10-best-methods-to-secure-a-scholarship/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">how to earn the best college scholarships</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and choosing their friends wisely. Kids understand that you’ve been their age before, and chances are high that they will appreciate hearing your thoughts!</span></p>
<p><b>Make Time For Alone Time </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kids react really well when they know that there is an adult who cares about them. Show the children you’re close to that you want to see them succeed by carving out time to go on a walk, drink a hot chocolate, and grab lunch. It’s never too early to begin mentoring someone! Who knows… you may even inspire them to become a mentor themselves when they reach adulthood. That really is the gift that keeps on giving! </span></p>
<p><b>Don’t Tear Them Down </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even if you don’t agree with something a child said or believes in, try your best to support them and not tear them down. Part of growing up is exploring your belief system and drawing conclusions. Give them the safe space they need to do that! Remember… praise them ten times as much as you criticize them. </span></p>
<p><b>Teach Them Mindfulness </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every adult knows that maintaining a work-life balance can be difficult, so it’s never too early to start teaching kids these habits. Talk to children about mindfulness, the importance of family time, and the values of hard work and ingenuity. Just spending a few minutes talking about managing your emotions and practicing self-care will have a lifelong impact on the people you reach. </span></p>
<p><b><img class="size-medium wp-image-45881 aligncenter" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/student-empowerment2-300x200.png" alt="student-empowerment2" width="300" height="200" /></b></p>
<p><b>Show That FUN Is Okay </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone has worries and anxieties sometimes… </span><a href="http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/anxiety.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">including children</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">! Don’t hesitate to show kids that it’s alright to take a break from the hecticness of life to have a little fun. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Childhood is hard enough. Try to make it a little bit easier for the children in your life by taking an active role in uplifting and empowering them. You’ll have a long-term impact on their life, and will set a great example for them as they enter adulthood. That alone makes the small time you’ll dedicate to helping them completely worth it! </span></p>
<p>You've read <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/the-7-ways-to-empower-young-minds/">The 7 Ways To Empower Young Minds</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>You're reading The 7 Ways To Empower Young Minds, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

If you’re lucky enough to work with children, it’s probably pretty likely that you have wondered about how to empower your young charges so that they become the most productive and successful adults they can possibly be. Good for you! Working to uplift and inspire the younger generation is one of the best things you can do. But, what’s the best way to go about this? Here are the seven best ways to empower young minds! Encourage, Encourage, Encourage There’s an old adage that says you should praise children ten times as much as you criticize them, and this is definitely true! While working with kids, try to maintain endlessly positive. Plan For The Future Sometimes, even just knowing someone believes in you is enough to get the job done. Spend some time with the kids in your life and talk to them about their future goals. Be a sounding board for them. Give Concrete Suggestions People benefit the most when you give them specific suggestions towards reaching their goals. Give them advice on careers, how to earn the best college scholarships, and choosing their friends wisely. Kids understand that you’ve been their age before, and chances are high that they will appreciate hearing your thoughts!Make Time For Alone Time Kids react really well when they know that there is an adult who cares about them. Show the children you’re close to that you want to see them succeed by carving out time to go on a walk, drink a hot chocolate, and grab lunch. It’s never too early to begin mentoring someone! Who knows… you may even inspire them to become a mentor themselves when they reach adulthood. That really is the gift that keeps on giving! Don’t Tear Them Down Even if you don’t agree with something a child said or believes in, try your best to support them and not tear them down. Part of growing up is exploring your belief system and drawing conclusions. Give them the safe space they need to do that! Remember… praise them ten times as much as you criticize them. Teach Them Mindfulness Every adult knows that maintaining a work-life balance can be difficult, so it’s never too early to start teaching kids these habits. Talk to children about mindfulness, the importance of family time, and the values of hard work and ingenuity. Just spending a few minutes talking about managing your emotions and practicing self-care will have a lifelong impact on the people you reach. Show That FUN Is Okay Everyone has worries and anxieties sometimes… including children! Don’t hesitate to show kids that it’s alright to take a break from the hecticness of life to have a little fun. Childhood is hard enough. Try to make it a little bit easier for the children in your life by taking an active role in uplifting and empowering them. You’ll have a long-term impact on their life, and will set a great example for them as they enter adulthood. That alone makes the small time you’ll dedicate to helping them completely worth it!

]]>https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/the-7-ways-to-empower-young-minds/11 Easy Yoga Poses You Can Do Now For Immediate Stress Reliefhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pickthebrain/LYVv/~3/Y78n_Sh6gFY/
Fri, 02 Dec 2016 07:10:38 +0000https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/?p=45783<p>You're reading <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/11-easy-yoga-poses-you-can-do-now-for-immediate-stress-relief/">11 Easy Yoga Poses You Can Do Now For Immediate Stress Relief</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>
<p><img width="925" height="198" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Screen-Shot-2016-12-01-at-4.48.16-PM-925x198.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-45910" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Screen-Shot-2016-12-01-at-4.48.16-PM-460x333.png" alt="what is yoga?" width="460" height="333" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If there was any word in the dictionary that would make you cower in fear… </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It would be the word: deadlines. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just the thought of an impending deadline can make you flustered, frustrated and stressed. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The thing is… </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You’re already working your hardest to meet that deadline. Yet you have to continue to put in 14-hour work days just to get everything done. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At this very moment, everything seems miserable. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You feel your teeth clenching together. You feel like your head is about to explode. You feel like your entire body is tensed up, as if you were preparing for a punch to your stomach. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You are ready to give up. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But you can’t. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You need some way to relieve your stress. You need some way to calm yourself down, breathe better, gain clarity and get back down to work immediately. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s not like you haven’t tried some solutions. You did.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just that they didn’t help. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You need something better. </span></p>
<h2><b>Why Yoga Is The Perfect Solution To Your Stress</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Have you considered using yoga for stress relief? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While it originated as a spirituality practice, it has been scientifically proven to help with reducing stress and anxiety levels. Many research studies have found that yoga works equally well as compared to relaxation to help with reducing stress levels and improving life quality.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is even endorsed by the Mayo Clinic as a surefire method for fighting stress, getting fit and staying healthy. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The question is:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why is yoga so effective in relieving stress? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The basic principle of yoga is to focus on a particular pose while being conscious of your breathing. By truly focusing on just one thing in the present moment, you let go of your stress and allow yourself to decompress. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Furthermore, the actual poses (also called asanas in yoga) help release tension in your body, which makes you feel calmer and put you in a meditative state. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You might still be skeptical. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After all, you’re already stressed and tensed to the brim. You can’t possibly fork out time to get yourself down to a yoga studio for a 1 - 2 hours practice. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You simply can’t afford it. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But that’s the wonderful part of yoga. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You don’t even have to start signing up for yoga classes. All you have to do is to learn some basic poses and do them anytime you feel stressed. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No matter where you are, and what you’re wearing, you can buckle down and hold a few yoga poses to help relieve your stress. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So without further ado, here are 11 poses you can do anytime to help relieve your stress.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><b>11 Yoga Poses That’ll Banish Your Stress Away</b></h2>
<h3><b>1. Corpse Pose</b></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Yoga Name: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Savasana</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The corpse pose, despite its morose sounding name, is one of the easiest and most effective exercises to relieve your stress. It probably got its name from the fact that all you have to do is to lay down flat on the floor -- like a dead body. </span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Lie down flat on the floor with your legs straightened and spread out. If you experience discomfort or pain being in this position, you can keep your legs bent. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: Ensure that your head is centered and not facing or falling to either side. This is probably the “toughest” part of the pose as most of us tend to lean our heads to one side. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: Extend your arms to the sides, allowing to rest on the floor. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 4: Hold the position for 5 minutes, breathing in and out slowly and steadily. </span></p>
<h3><strong>2. Happy Baby</strong></h3>
<p>Yoga Name:<b> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ananda Balasana</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a fun yoga pose to be in. It is named Happy Baby because of the way you look in your yoga position, like a cute little baby laughing. </span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Lay on your back on the floor. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: Raise your legs from the floor towards your head. You should strive to aim your knees towards your chest. This particular step can prove to be slightly difficult for some people. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: Spread your legs slightly wider than shoulder-width, and keep your soles facing towards the ceiling. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 4: Grab the outer part of your soles with your hands. If this is difficult for you, you might consider using a towel to hook onto your outer soles. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 5: To make it a little bit more challenging, try pulling your feet downwards. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 6: Hold this position for 3 minutes, and take deep breaths. </span></p>
<p><strong>3. Child’s Pose</strong></p>
<p>Yoga Name: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Balasana</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This particular pose requires you to be in the fetal position, thus deriving its name: Child’s Pose. A side benefit of this particular pose is that it also lengthens your spine, which helps relieve back pain if you have any. </span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Kneel on the floor. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: Gently bring your butt down to your heels. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: Bring your forehead as close to the floor as possible. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 4: Try to touch your thighs with your belly. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 5: Stretch your arms forward, as far away as possible from your feet.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 6: Hold this position for 1 minute. </span></p>
<h3><strong>4. Cat Pose</strong></h3>
<p>Yoga Name: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Marjaryasana</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This pose (as well as the Cow pose) are great for relieving back pain and undoing the damage from sitting all day. If you find yourself sitting for more than 6 hours a day, do this pose as often as possible. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also, the name of this pose derives from the fact that you’ll look like a cat stretching its back. </span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide: </strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Get on your fours (meaning hands and knees on the floor.)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: Keeping your shoulders and knees in position, try to round your spine, imagining that you’re trying to make your spine touch the ceiling. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: Repeat for 10 times. </span></p>
<h3><strong>5. Cow Pose</strong></h3>
<p>Yoga Name:<span style="font-weight: 400;"> Bitilasana</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This pose is usually paired together with the cat pose as it is held in the same position. Apparently, this pose mimics the way a cow eats. </span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Get on your fours (hands and knees on the floor)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: Now, do the opposite of the cat pose. Try imagining reaching the floor with your belly (or attempting to touch your spine to your belly). This will cause your spine to arch. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: Repeat for 10 times. </span></p>
<h3><strong>6. Puppy Pose</strong></h3>
<p>Yoga Name:<b> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Uttana Shishosana</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have not noticed by now, yoga asanas take a lot of inspiration from observing animals. This is no difference. The puppy pose is an imitation of puppies or dogs stretching. </span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Get on your fours (hands and knees on the floor).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: Slowly walk your hands away from you and lower your chest down towards the ground. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: If you are able to, rest your forehead on the ground and place your weight onto your hands. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 4: Keep on your legs firmly on the floor. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 5: Hold the position for 30 seconds. </span></p>
<h3><strong>7. Legs Up The Wall</strong></h3>
<p>Yoga Name: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Viparita Karani</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This pose is a great pose for you to just lay down, relax and wish your stresses away. </span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Find a wall</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: Grab a towel and roll it up </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: Place the towel about one hand away from the wall, and gently place your butt on the towel. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 4: Lay down on the floor. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 5: Gently adjust your hips such that the back of your thighs is resting on the wall. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 6: Straighten your legs and lean. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 7: Hold this position for 30 seconds. </span></p>
<h3><strong>8. Cobra Pose</strong></h3>
<p>Yoga Name:<b> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bhujangasana</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not only will this pose help relieve your stress, it also employ the backbend position, which can potentially prevent damage to your spine. </span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Lay flat on your stomach. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: Place your hands beside your chest, palms facing down. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: Raise yourself up and straighten your arms while arching your back. Your hips, thighs and feet are still in contact with the ground (don’t raise them!)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 4: Try to look up at the ceiling</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 5: Hold the position for 30 seconds. </span></p>
<h3><strong>9. Bridge Pose</strong></h3>
<p>Yoga Name: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Setu Bandha Sarvangasana</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This pose can be quite challenging (if it is the first time you’re doing it) but it is also infinitely rewarding. </span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Lay flat on the floor, knees bent, and ensure that your feet is tucked near your butt area. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: Raise your hips up slowly, lifting your thighs and your lower back. Keep your feet, neck and back of head on the floor. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: Hold the position for 30 seconds. (This can be challenging!)</span></p>
<h3><strong>10. Thread The Needle</strong></h3>
<p>Yoga Name: <span style="font-weight: 400;">Parsva Balasana</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is an interesting pose where you might need some imagination to see yourself as the needle going through a thread.</span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Get on your fours (hands and knees on the floor)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: You will notice that there is a “gap” between your left arm and knee. This is the “hole” where you’ll stick the “needle” in (your right hand in this case.)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: Plant the right side of your head and your right shoulder on the ground as you stick your right hand through the gap. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 4: hold the position for 30 seconds. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 5: Repeat for the other side. </span></p>
<h3><strong>11. Pigeon Pose</strong></h3>
<p>Yoga Name:<b> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kapotasana</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a pose that not only relaxes you, but also belongs to the category of exercises known as “hip-opening exercises”. Sitting for too long tends to shorten the muscles around your hamstrings and hip area, causing it to be too tight. The pigeon pose has the added benefit of opening your hips and stretching them out, reversing the damage caused by excessive sitting. </span></p>
<p><strong>Step-by-Step Guide:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1: Sit with one leg in front of you and the other leg straightened behind. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2: Bend the front leg 90 degrees (that means the outer side of the calf and ankle will come into contact with the ground). </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3: Straighten your back. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 4: Hold the position for 30 seconds. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 5: Repeat for the other leg.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You’re stressed. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In fact, there are quick and easy ways to relieve and rejuvenate yourself to tackle the challenges ahead.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All you have to do is -- the next time you feel overwhelmed and stressed, pick one of the above exercises. (If you want 21 more exercises, </span><a href="http://airawear.com/index.php/blog/back-pain-relief/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">here is a list of exercises that can help relieve stress and back pain</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Find a corner in your office (or at home) and follow the step by step instructions. Hold the poses for the recommended length of time. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Feel yourself breathing and relaxing as you shift your thoughts away from the stress. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You’ll be able to feel more clarity and be ready to tackle your work again. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">--------------------</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Attention Pick The Brain readers! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The above exercises will be good enough to get you relaxed and relieved of stress. If you would more exercises on how to relieve stress (as well as back pain), download your <a href="http://airawear.leadpages.co/leadbox/1458f6ff3f72a2%3A15c78d1b7346dc/5719074432614400/">free checklist of recommended exercises</a> that can help you relieve stress and back pain from sitting too long.</span></p>
<hr />
<p>Ong Si Quan is the Growth Guy at <a href="http://airawear.com/">airawear.com</a> who wants to help people be free of pain and stress from their lives. Download his <a href="http://airawear.leadpages.co/leadbox/1458f6ff3f72a2%3A15c78d1b7346dc/5719074432614400/">free checklist of stress and back pain relief</a> exercises to learn how to do so.</p>
<p>You've read <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/11-easy-yoga-poses-you-can-do-now-for-immediate-stress-relief/">11 Easy Yoga Poses You Can Do Now For Immediate Stress Relief</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>You're reading 11 Easy Yoga Poses You Can Do Now For Immediate Stress Relief, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

If there was any word in the dictionary that would make you cower in fear… It would be the word: deadlines. Just the thought of an impending deadline can make you flustered, frustrated and stressed. The thing is… You’re already working your hardest to meet that deadline. Yet you have to continue to put in 14-hour work days just to get everything done. At this very moment, everything seems miserable. You feel your teeth clenching together. You feel like your head is about to explode. You feel like your entire body is tensed up, as if you were preparing for a punch to your stomach. You are ready to give up. But you can’t. You need some way to relieve your stress. You need some way to calm yourself down, breathe better, gain clarity and get back down to work immediately. It’s not like you haven’t tried some solutions. You did.Just that they didn’t help. You need something better.

Why Yoga Is The Perfect Solution To Your Stress

Have you considered using yoga for stress relief? While it originated as a spirituality practice, it has been scientifically proven to help with reducing stress and anxiety levels. Many research studies have found that yoga works equally well as compared to relaxation to help with reducing stress levels and improving life quality.It is even endorsed by the Mayo Clinic as a surefire method for fighting stress, getting fit and staying healthy. The question is:Why is yoga so effective in relieving stress? The basic principle of yoga is to focus on a particular pose while being conscious of your breathing. By truly focusing on just one thing in the present moment, you let go of your stress and allow yourself to decompress. Furthermore, the actual poses (also called asanas in yoga) help release tension in your body, which makes you feel calmer and put you in a meditative state. You might still be skeptical. After all, you’re already stressed and tensed to the brim. You can’t possibly fork out time to get yourself down to a yoga studio for a 1 - 2 hours practice. You simply can’t afford it. But that’s the wonderful part of yoga. You don’t even have to start signing up for yoga classes. All you have to do is to learn some basic poses and do them anytime you feel stressed. No matter where you are, and what you’re wearing, you can buckle down and hold a few yoga poses to help relieve your stress. So without further ado, here are 11 poses you can do anytime to help relieve your stress.

11 Yoga Poses That’ll Banish Your Stress Away

1. Corpse Pose

Yoga Name: SavasanaThe corpse pose, despite its morose sounding name, is one of the easiest and most effective exercises to relieve your stress. It probably got its name from the fact that all you have to do is to lay down flat on the floor -- like a dead body. Step-by-Step Guide:Step 1: Lie down flat on the floor with your legs straightened and spread out. If you experience discomfort or pain being in this position, you can keep your legs bent. Step 2: Ensure that your head is centered and not facing or falling to either side. This is probably the “toughest” part of the pose as most of us tend to lean our heads to one side. Step 3: Extend your arms to the sides, allowing to rest on the floor. Step 4: Hold the position for 5 minutes, breathing in and out slowly and steadily.

2. Happy Baby

Yoga Name:Ananda BalasanaThis is a fun yoga pose to be in. It is named Happy Baby because of the way you look in your yoga position, like a cute little baby laughing. Step-by-Step Guide:Step 1: Lay on your back on the floor. Step 2: Raise your legs from the floor towards your head. You should strive to aim your knees towards your chest. This particular step can prove to be slightly difficult for some people. Step 3: Spread your legs slightly wider than shoulder-width, and keep your soles facing towards the ceiling. Step 4: Grab the outer part of your soles with your hands. If this is difficult for you, you might consider using a towel to hook onto your outer soles. Step 5: To make it a little bit more challenging, try pulling your feet downwards. Step 6: Hold this position for 3 minutes, and take deep breaths. 3. Child’s Pose
Yoga Name: BalasanaThis particular pose requires you to be in the fetal position, thus deriving its name: Child’s Pose. A side benefit of this particular pose is that it also lengthens your spine, which helps relieve back pain if you have any. Step-by-Step Guide:Step 1: Kneel on the floor. Step 2: Gently bring your butt down to your heels. Step 3: Bring your forehead as close to the floor as possible. Step 4: Try to touch your thighs with your belly. Step 5: Stretch your arms forward, as far away as possible from your feet.Step 6: Hold this position for 1 minute.

4. Cat Pose

Yoga Name: MarjaryasanaThis pose (as well as the Cow pose) are great for relieving back pain and undoing the damage from sitting all day. If you find yourself sitting for more than 6 hours a day, do this pose as often as possible. Also, the name of this pose derives from the fact that you’ll look like a cat stretching its back. Step-by-Step Guide: Step 1: Get on your fours (meaning hands and knees on the floor.)Step 2: Keeping your shoulders and knees in position, try to round your spine, imagining that you’re trying to make your spine touch the ceiling. Step 3: Repeat for 10 times.

5. Cow Pose

Yoga Name: BitilasanaThis pose is usually paired together with the cat pose as it is held in the same position. Apparently, this pose mimics the way a cow eats. Step-by-Step Guide:Step 1: Get on your fours (hands and knees on the floor)Step 2: Now, do the opposite of the cat pose. Try imagining reaching the floor with your belly (or attempting to touch your spine to your belly). This will cause your spine to arch. Step 3: Repeat for 10 times.

6. Puppy Pose

Yoga Name:Uttana ShishosanaIf you have not noticed by now, yoga asanas take a lot of inspiration from observing animals. This is no difference. The puppy pose is an imitation of puppies or dogs stretching. Step-by-Step Guide:Step 1: Get on your fours (hands and knees on the floor).Step 2: Slowly walk your hands away from you and lower your chest down towards the ground. Step 3: If you are able to, rest your forehead on the ground and place your weight onto your hands. Step 4: Keep on your legs firmly on the floor. Step 5: Hold the position for 30 seconds.

7. Legs Up The Wall

Yoga Name: Viparita KaraniThis pose is a great pose for you to just lay down, relax and wish your stresses away. Step-by-Step Guide:Step 1: Find a wallStep 2: Grab a towel and roll it up Step 3: Place the towel about one hand away from the wall, and gently place your butt on the towel. Step 4: Lay down on the floor. Step 5: Gently adjust your hips such that the back of your thighs is resting on the wall. Step 6: Straighten your legs and lean. Step 7: Hold this position for 30 seconds.

8. Cobra Pose

Yoga Name:BhujangasanaNot only will this pose help relieve your stress, it also employ the backbend position, which can potentially prevent damage to your spine. Step-by-Step Guide:Step 1: Lay flat on your stomach. Step 2: Place your hands beside your chest, palms facing down. Step 3: Raise yourself up and straighten your arms while arching your back. Your hips, thighs and feet are still in contact with the ground (don’t raise them!)Step 4: Try to look up at the ceilingStep 5: Hold the position for 30 seconds.

9. Bridge Pose

Yoga Name: Setu Bandha SarvangasanaThis pose can be quite challenging (if it is the first time you’re doing it) but it is also infinitely rewarding. Step-by-Step Guide:Step 1: Lay flat on the floor, knees bent, and ensure that your feet is tucked near your butt area. Step 2: Raise your hips up slowly, lifting your thighs and your lower back. Keep your feet, neck and back of head on the floor. Step 3: Hold the position for 30 seconds. (This can be challenging!)

10. Thread The Needle

Yoga Name: Parsva BalasanaThis is an interesting pose where you might need some imagination to see yourself as the needle going through a thread.Step-by-Step Guide:Step 1: Get on your fours (hands and knees on the floor)Step 2: You will notice that there is a “gap” between your left arm and knee. This is the “hole” where you’ll stick the “needle” in (your right hand in this case.)Step 3: Plant the right side of your head and your right shoulder on the ground as you stick your right hand through the gap. Step 4: hold the position for 30 seconds. Step 5: Repeat for the other side.

11. Pigeon Pose

Yoga Name:KapotasanaThis is a pose that not only relaxes you, but also belongs to the category of exercises known as “hip-opening exercises”. Sitting for too long tends to shorten the muscles around your hamstrings and hip area, causing it to be too tight. The pigeon pose has the added benefit of opening your hips and stretching them out, reversing the damage caused by excessive sitting. Step-by-Step Guide:Step 1: Sit with one leg in front of you and the other leg straightened behind. Step 2: Bend the front leg 90 degrees (that means the outer side of the calf and ankle will come into contact with the ground). Step 3: Straighten your back. Step 4: Hold the position for 30 seconds. Step 5: Repeat for the other leg.You’re stressed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. In fact, there are quick and easy ways to relieve and rejuvenate yourself to tackle the challenges ahead.All you have to do is -- the next time you feel overwhelmed and stressed, pick one of the above exercises. (If you want 21 more exercises, here is a list of exercises that can help relieve stress and back pain.)Find a corner in your office (or at home) and follow the step by step instructions. Hold the poses for the recommended length of time. Feel yourself breathing and relaxing as you shift your thoughts away from the stress. You’ll be able to feel more clarity and be ready to tackle your work again. --------------------Attention Pick The Brain readers! The above exercises will be good enough to get you relaxed and relieved of stress. If you would more exercises on how to relieve stress (as well as back pain), download your free checklist of recommended exercises that can help you relieve stress and back pain from sitting too long.
Ong Si Quan is the Growth Guy at airawear.com who wants to help people be free of pain and stress from their lives. Download his free checklist of stress and back pain relief exercises to learn how to do so.

]]>https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/11-easy-yoga-poses-you-can-do-now-for-immediate-stress-relief/4 Ways To Improve Your Emotional Intelligencehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pickthebrain/LYVv/~3/8lQCowHtv0g/
Thu, 01 Dec 2016 05:18:10 +0000https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/?p=45290<p>You're reading <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/improving-your-emotional-intelligence/">4 Ways To Improve Your Emotional Intelligence</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>
<p><img width="940" height="198" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/emotional-intelligence-pic-940x198.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As humans, we possess a myriad of emotions that allow us to fully experience our lives. It would stand to reason that being aware and giving attention to our emotions, and the emotions of those around us, serves to enhance our daily interactions and improve our overall well being. The ability to understand and manage emotions is called emotional intelligence. Being emotionally intelligent can h</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">elp improve our mental health, our relationships with those around us, and even </span><a href="http://appliedpsychologydegree.usc.edu/resources/articles/emotional-intelligence-in-the-workplace/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">our working lives</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People with high emotional intelligence are able to recognize and control their emotions, as well as empathize with the emotions of others. They can manage their stress and anxiety, and are generally happy and balanced. If perhaps you don’t feel your emotional intelligence is as high as your would like it to be, there are ways you can work on improving it.</span></p>
<p><strong>Get in touch with your emotions</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">It sounds like a no brainer, but how many times in your life have you not quite understood why you were feeling the way you were. Emotions are way more complicated than just happy, mad, and sad. They are complex and deep, and so many factors go into why you feel a certain way in any given situation. Understanding your own emotions will in turn help you to understand the emotions of those around you and make you more empathetic. Being empathetic is </span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/making-change/201411/want-better-relationships-learn-be-more-empathic"><span style="font-weight: 400;">key to having meaningful relationships</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with friends, family, and significant others. When you can put yourself into the shoes of another and truly get an idea of how they are feeling, you can connect emotionally on a level you couldn’t before and strengthen your bonds. </span></p>
<p><strong>Become fluent in body language</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So much can be expressed with body language. Often, when a person says one thing, and are actually thinking and feeling another, their </span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/keldjensen/2012/06/12/the-naked-truth-how-body-language-reveals-the-real-you/#13f698e71329"><span style="font-weight: 400;">body language can give it away</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Body movements, posture, and facial expressions are just some of the ways in which people express themselves non-verbally. Learning how to get your emotions in line with your body language can increase your emotional intelligence by helping you communicate more effectively and understand the nonverbal signals others are putting out. Communication is important to emotional understanding, both verbal and nonverbal. </span></p>
<p><strong>Find ways to manage stress and anxiety</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A crucial part of emotional intelligence is the ability to manage your emotions. You may understand why you are feeling stress or anxiety, but if you can’t manage those feelings, you’ve only fought half the battle. Stress and anxiety can become a heavy weight in our lives, and it can have many </span><a href="http://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/the-physical-effects-of-stress/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">physical effects</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on our bodies. Learning to manage it will immensely improve our well being. Find a way to regulate your stress such as prioritizing daily goals, writing down your accomplishments, and surrounding yourself with supportive family and friends. When you learn to manage your feelings and stress, you can focus more on overall happiness and tranquility. </span></p>
<p><strong>Master conflict resolution skills</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When dealing with conflicts, a high emotional intelligence can help keep the situation from escalating more than it needs to. Learning conflict resolution skills will combine many of the aspects of emotional intelligence and put them to a situation for practical use. </span><a href="https://www.verywell.com/conflict-resolution-skills-for-healthy-relationships-3144953"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Effective conflict resolution ability</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> involves recognizing feelings, active listening on both sides, expressing thoughts clearly, and coming to a solution all while remaining civil. Someone who can manage to resolve otherwise difficult situations while keeping calm is sure to have high emotional intelligence.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When we are unable to understand and manage our emotions, we can become erratic, depressed, and irritable. Developing our emotional intelligence will only improve our outlook and well being. With time, practice and reflection, you can work on enhancing your awareness, managing your stress, and dealing with everyday conflict and mishaps. Stability and happiness is yours for the taking.</span></p>
<p>(feature image courtesy of <a href="https://www.artifactuprising.com/out-of-office">artifact uprising</a>)</p>
<p>You've read <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/improving-your-emotional-intelligence/">4 Ways To Improve Your Emotional Intelligence</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>You're reading 4 Ways To Improve Your Emotional Intelligence, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

As humans, we possess a myriad of emotions that allow us to fully experience our lives. It would stand to reason that being aware and giving attention to our emotions, and the emotions of those around us, serves to enhance our daily interactions and improve our overall well being. The ability to understand and manage emotions is called emotional intelligence. Being emotionally intelligent can help improve our mental health, our relationships with those around us, and even our working lives.People with high emotional intelligence are able to recognize and control their emotions, as well as empathize with the emotions of others. They can manage their stress and anxiety, and are generally happy and balanced. If perhaps you don’t feel your emotional intelligence is as high as your would like it to be, there are ways you can work on improving it.Get in touch with your emotionsIt sounds like a no brainer, but how many times in your life have you not quite understood why you were feeling the way you were. Emotions are way more complicated than just happy, mad, and sad. They are complex and deep, and so many factors go into why you feel a certain way in any given situation. Understanding your own emotions will in turn help you to understand the emotions of those around you and make you more empathetic. Being empathetic is key to having meaningful relationships with friends, family, and significant others. When you can put yourself into the shoes of another and truly get an idea of how they are feeling, you can connect emotionally on a level you couldn’t before and strengthen your bonds. Become fluent in body languageSo much can be expressed with body language. Often, when a person says one thing, and are actually thinking and feeling another, their body language can give it away. Body movements, posture, and facial expressions are just some of the ways in which people express themselves non-verbally. Learning how to get your emotions in line with your body language can increase your emotional intelligence by helping you communicate more effectively and understand the nonverbal signals others are putting out. Communication is important to emotional understanding, both verbal and nonverbal. Find ways to manage stress and anxietyA crucial part of emotional intelligence is the ability to manage your emotions. You may understand why you are feeling stress or anxiety, but if you can’t manage those feelings, you’ve only fought half the battle. Stress and anxiety can become a heavy weight in our lives, and it can have many physical effects on our bodies. Learning to manage it will immensely improve our well being. Find a way to regulate your stress such as prioritizing daily goals, writing down your accomplishments, and surrounding yourself with supportive family and friends. When you learn to manage your feelings and stress, you can focus more on overall happiness and tranquility. Master conflict resolution skillsWhen dealing with conflicts, a high emotional intelligence can help keep the situation from escalating more than it needs to. Learning conflict resolution skills will combine many of the aspects of emotional intelligence and put them to a situation for practical use. Effective conflict resolution ability involves recognizing feelings, active listening on both sides, expressing thoughts clearly, and coming to a solution all while remaining civil. Someone who can manage to resolve otherwise difficult situations while keeping calm is sure to have high emotional intelligence.When we are unable to understand and manage our emotions, we can become erratic, depressed, and irritable. Developing our emotional intelligence will only improve our outlook and well being. With time, practice and reflection, you can work on enhancing your awareness, managing your stress, and dealing with everyday conflict and mishaps. Stability and happiness is yours for the taking.
(feature image courtesy of artifact uprising)

]]>https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/improving-your-emotional-intelligence/4 Lessons On How To Truly Be A Leader from Mother Teresahttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pickthebrain/LYVv/~3/rG0clx_JL84/
Wed, 30 Nov 2016 06:39:34 +0000https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/?p=44947<p>You're reading <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/4-lessons-from-mother-teresa-for-a-fulfilling-leadership-experience/">4 Lessons On How To Truly Be A Leader from Mother Teresa</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>
<p><img width="600" height="198" src="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/4287961_orig-600x198.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" /></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium" src="http://smngalmoy.weebly.com/uploads/5/2/8/2/52827545/4287961_orig.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" />Service towards your team, above all else, is the primary objective for great leaders. They inspire their team to persevere through the tough times, sharing in the spoils of victory when they reach their objective together. A title is simply something that represents the right to make decisions. It does not represent the right to shirk responsibility through gratuitous delegation.</p>
<p>There are few people in history that have embodied a service-filled leadership style more than Mother Teresa. Spiritual intelligence was her greatest gift, and it is always wise to pay attention to the example set by those who have come before you.</p>
<p>If you’re ready to break free from your 9-5 and lead your own company, or need to take your team to the next level, pay close attention to the following lessons, based on powerful <a href="https://danieloliech.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/mother-teresas-leadership-quotes/">quotes from Mother Teresa</a>.</p>
<h1>1.“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”</h1>
<p>It is almost always better to find ways to build your team up with praise, instead of tearing them down with critical comments. Guidance can be phrased in ways that is more positive; focusing on the opportunity for future improvement, instead of the mistakes of the past.</p>
<p>When leading a team, the words of a leader echo far beyond those within earshot. Choose your words very carefully, for they have power.</p>
<h1>2.“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”</h1>
<p>The perfect plan is the enemy of a good plan. Accept the regrets of yesterday, and celebrate past victories as your roll into today. Your vision must be focused on the future, but your team’s actions need to be focused on the present.</p>
<p>As a leader, you are the visionary in your team. Empower your team to make today’s decisions, within the context of reality. Don’t let them be discouraged by the past, or bogged down by the future. If your team can embrace the here and now, they’ll earn the future that you’re working to craft.</p>
<h1>3.“If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.”</h1>
<p>Who are you as a leader? <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/culture-shrink/201607/8-traits-toxic-leadership-avoid">Jean Kim, M.D. points out</a> that an insecure leader can be toxic to a work environment, which casts a long shadow over an employee’s mental health. If you’re unsecure in who you are, it’s time for a reality check.</p>
<p>Dive deep to understand the sources of your insecurities; your need for praise and attention. If you resolve those issues, you will be one big step closer to becoming the steadfast leader, on which the success of your enterprise will rely on.</p>
<h1>4.“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.”</h1>
<p>In a world driven by stock quotes and balance sheets, it’s easy to get caught-up in the numbers. Don’t let the numbers drown-out your focus on why you are here, and the steps you need to take to fulfill your company’s purpose. Successful brands are the ones that hold true to their values and understand why they’re willing to suffer short-term pain in order to have a chance at long-term success.</p>
<p>Are you willing to let go of your ego, live a life of service to your employees, and let your internal compass be your guide? Gather all of the information you need in order to be an informed, confident leader. Work through character flaws, and don’t let the past or future ruin your present. It’s time to rise up. With these lessons at the forefront of your thinking, persistence can take you anywhere.</p>
<hr />
<p><em>Rafiq is a Husband, Success Coach, Business Development Consultant, Strategist, Blogger, Traveler, Motivational Writer &amp; Speaker. I have the propensity for written expression, piling one word on top of another until a coherent thought emerges. My favorite subjects are business, politics, religion, technology, lifestyle and history.Also write about his personal experience on <a href="http://www.financentric.com">financentric</a> .Follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/tahir_raf">Twitter</a>.</em></p>
<p>You've read <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/4-lessons-from-mother-teresa-for-a-fulfilling-leadership-experience/">4 Lessons On How To Truly Be A Leader from Mother Teresa</a>, originally posted on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog">Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement</a>. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.</p>You're reading 4 Lessons On How To Truly Be A Leader from Mother Teresa, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

Service towards your team, above all else, is the primary objective for great leaders. They inspire their team to persevere through the tough times, sharing in the spoils of victory when they reach their objective together. A title is simply something that represents the right to make decisions. It does not represent the right to shirk responsibility through gratuitous delegation.
There are few people in history that have embodied a service-filled leadership style more than Mother Teresa. Spiritual intelligence was her greatest gift, and it is always wise to pay attention to the example set by those who have come before you.
If you’re ready to break free from your 9-5 and lead your own company, or need to take your team to the next level, pay close attention to the following lessons, based on powerful quotes from Mother Teresa.

1.“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

It is almost always better to find ways to build your team up with praise, instead of tearing them down with critical comments. Guidance can be phrased in ways that is more positive; focusing on the opportunity for future improvement, instead of the mistakes of the past.
When leading a team, the words of a leader echo far beyond those within earshot. Choose your words very carefully, for they have power.

2.“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

The perfect plan is the enemy of a good plan. Accept the regrets of yesterday, and celebrate past victories as your roll into today. Your vision must be focused on the future, but your team’s actions need to be focused on the present.
As a leader, you are the visionary in your team. Empower your team to make today’s decisions, within the context of reality. Don’t let them be discouraged by the past, or bogged down by the future. If your team can embrace the here and now, they’ll earn the future that you’re working to craft.

3.“If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.”

Who are you as a leader? Jean Kim, M.D. points out that an insecure leader can be toxic to a work environment, which casts a long shadow over an employee’s mental health. If you’re unsecure in who you are, it’s time for a reality check.
Dive deep to understand the sources of your insecurities; your need for praise and attention. If you resolve those issues, you will be one big step closer to becoming the steadfast leader, on which the success of your enterprise will rely on.

4.“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.”

In a world driven by stock quotes and balance sheets, it’s easy to get caught-up in the numbers. Don’t let the numbers drown-out your focus on why you are here, and the steps you need to take to fulfill your company’s purpose. Successful brands are the ones that hold true to their values and understand why they’re willing to suffer short-term pain in order to have a chance at long-term success.
Are you willing to let go of your ego, live a life of service to your employees, and let your internal compass be your guide? Gather all of the information you need in order to be an informed, confident leader. Work through character flaws, and don’t let the past or future ruin your present. It’s time to rise up. With these lessons at the forefront of your thinking, persistence can take you anywhere.
Rafiq is a Husband, Success Coach, Business Development Consultant, Strategist, Blogger, Traveler, Motivational Writer & Speaker. I have the propensity for written expression, piling one word on top of another until a coherent thought emerges. My favorite subjects are business, politics, religion, technology, lifestyle and history.Also write about his personal experience on financentric .Follow me on Twitter.